BRISTOL: Charity through sport – The Bristol Wanderers
We hear from Paul Beet, of Astra Group of Companies, about the wonderful work that local charity ‘The Bristol Wanderers’ carry out…
The Bristol Wanderers comprise of ex local rugby players and was the brainchild of Paul Beet and Simon Martin both ex Bristol players. Paul who is the co- owner of ‘Astra Group of Companies’ which includes Astra Security, Astra Electronic Vehicle Charging & Astra Design & Build.
The team have been supported over the years by many ex-Bristol players, who have given their time to play charity rugby matches, cricket matches, dinners, sponsored walks and annual golf days. They have raised well over £100K spread across various causes.
The idea was to raise money for local charities, predominately charities which help children. As well as charities which are big enough to make a real difference to young people lives but small enough that our support can have an impact.
Over the years the Bristol Wanderers have helped Children’s Hospice Southwest, Bliss, Jessie May trust, Gympanzees as well as many local individual causes. This year they have been a great help to the Avon Centre based 10 mins from our Cribbs Causeway dealership near Blaise Castle.
The Avon Centre is an equine and nature-based activities charity formally known as The Avon Centre for the disabled. Providing riding and outdoor activities for the disabled and especially children including a great Shetland pony interactive centre for young and older children alike who can get real sensory benefits from interacting with the ponies.
More recently one of Bristol Wanderers supporters Matt Wring from Southern Communications Ltd announced he was running 101 miles in 4 days along the Cotswold way as both a fund-raising exercise and get fitter in the process. Matt, very kindly with the support from his company, focused his fund raising to go to the Avon Centre and raised over £5000 towards Bristol Wanderers donation.
They recently presented a cheque for £10,000 to The Avon Centre to help their efforts in having more ponies and improving the Shetland pony sensory area.
Well done Matt and all the team at The Bristol Wanders – proudly supported by Astra and Bristol Audi.
